Do you want a fuller and more balanced smile?
A common dental concern that many patients face is missing and lost teeth. The staff at North Meridian Dental Excellence provides missing teeth treatment in Indianapolis, IN, to patients who have lost teeth due to injury, genetics, or decay and infection.
When a tooth is missing, the teeth on either side can drift out of alignment. This may lead to misaligned, crooked, and overcrowded teeth. Speech issues, bite problems, or further bone loss may also occur if you do not replace lost teeth properly or soon enough.
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht and his professional dental team dedicate themselves to providing quality dental treatments to their patients. Learn more about the restorative solutions at North Meridian Dental Excellence below:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are versatile restoration that replaces one or multiple missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone. After a healing period of 3 to 6 months, the implant is fitted with a dental crown. This solution looks and feels natural and many patients even forget that they have dental implants in the first place.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge ensures remaining teeth are in proper alignment and natural teeth are not bearing too much stress from biting and chewing. One or more teeth are typically replaced with a dental bridge. Patients who still have some jawbone structure left are great candidates for an implant-supported bridge. Those who have less bone tissue may benefit from a replaceable bridge.
Dentures and Partials
Full and partial dentures are used to replace multiple teeth and even whole arches of teeth. They are similar to dental bridges in that they can be secured with dental implants for a more stable and permanent restoration. When a denture is implant-secured, there is no need for messy adhesive or gum irritation.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
If you do not replace lost teeth, they can cause health and jaw function issues. Teeth are more prone to shift out of place when you leave gaps between your teeth.
What are my options if I have missing teeth?
If you are missing teeth, the most common form of replacement is dental implants. Implants are the most durable and longest-lasting options. Veneers and bridges can also replace missing teeth.
Can missing teeth cause health problems?
Missing teeth can cause health problems greater than teeth shifting. Patients who leave missing teeth untreated are more likely to develop gum disease. They are also more likely to have heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Can missing teeth cause anxiety?
Yes, there is a link between missing teeth and anxiety. Studies have shown that levels of depression and anxiety are higher in patients with missing teeth gaps than those without gaps.
Can missing teeth change the shape of your face?
Missing teeth may alter face shape. If you leave missing teeth gaps alone for an extended amount of time, they may cause the lower half of your face to change completely. This is largely due to teeth shifting to fill gaps.
Does missing back teeth affect speech?
Missing teeth have a large impact on speech. Patients with untreated, missing teeth may have trouble saying certain sounds because their teeth are not in the proper position to pronounce them. This may result in a lisp or other speech impediments.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Are you looking for a solution for lost and missing teeth? Revitalize your smile today in our Indianapolis, IN, office. You can contact us at 317.204.7134. Schedule an appointment with our professional team online for relaxing care.